The Dweebletter

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Science Fiction, Fantasy, General Entertainment news, the biz of DA BIZ?
StarWars/HarryPotter/LordoftheRings/Farscape....etc,etc,etc.
We comb the web and try to stay on top of breaking entertainment news.
And the snarky commentary is free-of-charge.

Saturday, March 24, 2007

HUZZAH HUZZAH! (and PHEW!)

Editor's Note: So....these last few weeks have just been a bad dream. (Were your SCARS hurting?)get it?????? (If not, you are a wretched MUGGLE).

Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and Emma Watson to Reprise Roles in the Final Two Installments of Warner Bros. Pictures' ''Harry Potter'' Film Franchise

BURBANK, CALIF., March 23 /CNW/ - Daniel Radcliffe, Rupert Grint and EmmaWatson will reprise the roles they have made their own: teen wizards HarryPotter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger, respectively, in Warner Bros.Pictures' "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and theDeathly Hallows," the final two motion picture adaptations of J.K. Rowling'sbest-selling book series. The announcement was made today by Jeff Robinov,President of Production, Warner Bros. Pictures.

In making the announcement, Robinov said, "When Daniel, Rupert and Emmawere first cast as Harry, Ron and Hermione, we knew they were not onlytalented, but had a very special chemistry. Through the years, and in each ofthe 'Harry Potter' films, we have watched them grow into extraordinary youngadults, as well as remarkable actors. It would be inconceivable to imagineanyone else in the roles with which they have become so identified, so we arethrilled and proud that Daniel, Rupert and Emma have chosen to complete thearc of their characters in the final two films."Both "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" and "Harry Potter and theDeathly Hallows" are being produced by David Heyman, who has produced all ofthe Harry Potter films to date and was instrumental in bringing the franchiseto the screen, beginning with the first blockbuster, "Harry Potter and theSorcerer's Stone." David Barron, who served as an executive producer on "HarryPotter and the Chamber of Secrets" and "Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire"and is a producer on the upcoming "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix,"will also be producing the final two installments of the franchise.

Producer David Heyman said, "One of the highlights of this journey hasbeen to witness Dan, Rupert and Emma blossom from children into young adults.They have emerged as consummate professionals who are dedicated to honingtheir craft and striving for excellence. And yet, throughout, they haveretained their enthusiasm and spirit, and they remain, to this day, the samewonderful, kind and generous individuals I met all those years ago."Daniel Radcliffe remarked, "Playing the role of Harry Potter has been animmense privilege, and I look forward to completing the series. I feel a hugesense of loyalty to the character of Harry and the fans who have supportedthese films over the years. During filming, I have learnt so much, made lotsof friends and met people who have changed my life. I am indebted to J KRowling, Warner Bros. and David Heyman for giving me this fantasticopportunity."Emma Watson stated, "I could never let Hermione go--she is my hero! Ilove her too much and love what playing her has meant to me. I am excited andhonoured to be finishing what I started and playing her in all seven of thefilms."Rupert Grint offered, "Ron Weasley has become a big part of my life andnot just because we've both got ginger hair! I've been so proud to play himand loved every second of being part of this world. I'm really looking forwardto filming the last two films and being back with my 'Weasley family' and, ofcourse, to seeing my good friends Emma and Dan. Thank you to everyone forbeing so supportive over the years; we couldn't have done it without you."Editor's Note: So...do you think any of the kids actually SAID those things? Did their handlers even TELL them that was the press being put out? And shall we just treat Ms. Watson's reticence of the past few weeks, and Mr. Grint's saying she was on the outs with them as something akin to Bobby's dream? A do-over? A mass hallucination?

If it works for YOU, dweebpals, it works for ME!

Warner Bros. Pictures' fifth film in the series, "Harry Potter and theOrder of the Phoenix," is slated for release in the U.S. on July 13, 2007.

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Star Wars SHOPPING

Star Wars Matryoshka Dolls a StarWarsShop ExclusiveRussian matryoshka dolls, or nesting dolls, are an art form that seem perfectly suited to the Star Wars cast of characters. Housing figures within figures, it's almost poetic that a youthful, innocent Anakin Skywalker should be hidden deep within the dark and menacing shell of Darth Vader. Japan's Hot Toys recently released a series of six new Star Wars matryoshkas, which are now available exclusively in the U.S. at StarWarsShop. Editor's Note: Of course, I have a real AUTHENTIC Russian Matryoshka SW set that a very clever and lovely friend (and one that ISN'T EVEN A DWEEB!) brought back from a trip for me. But these are pretty durn cute, too!! (And save SO much on travel costs!)Included in the series are:Darth Vader (Anakin Skywalker)Obi-Wan KenobiC-3POSithGeneral GrievousWookiees

Each figure houses two more figures within, measuring 6.8 to 8.2 cm for the largest, 5.8 cm for the medium, and 4.8 cm for the smallest.

Each set of figures also comes in a 30th anniversary window box showcasing all three figures.EDITOR'S NOTE: I don't know WHERE I'm going to put them....but I MUST have them!! (And each set is only $9.99!!! Woohooo!!!)Star Wars Playing Card Set

New from Cartamundi the Star Wars playing card set includes three different Star Wars themed decks of playing cards.

The three decks include Star Wars posters which feature Star Wars poster art, you also will receive a combined pack of two decks one featuring Heroes and the other Villains from the Star Wars saga.

Life-size Star Wars Fathead Character Graphics for Your WallReady to populate the vast white void of your bedroom, office, or living room walls with life-size Star Wars characters? Look no further than StarWarsShop's all-new assortment of seven high-grade vinyl, low-tack adhesive characters that will stick to almost any wall!

These thick, die-cut figures are printed in big, bold, colorful graphics that have a 3-D look and appear to jump right off the wall. They can also be repositioned with no loss of adhesion or damage to the original surface. Each character comes with additional peel and stick elements.Created by Fathead, who already has a line of life-size sports stars in action poses, fans can choose from Darth Vader, a stormtrooper, Boba Fett, Yoda, C-3PO, R2-D2, and Chewbacca. Sizes range from 23x38 inches for R2-D2 to 37x90 inches for Chewbacca.

NOTE: $149.99 EACH!!! Editor's Note: For $150 'CREDITS' you'd think they'd at least have some of the CUTE ones (like Han or Luke or EwanOBiWan)?!

Back to the less-pricey side of the galaxy....

RISK: The Original Trilogy Edition Now Available

Last year, fans of the board game RISK and the Star Wars saga were pleased to find that the two had finally joined forces to take on the table-top gaming world. RISK: Clone Wars Edition targeted the time frame between Episodes II and III, staging the war between the Republic and Separatists using the classic rules of RISK.

It was a hit, but left a major part of the Star Wars saga out of the war: The Original Trilogy.

Hasbro Games has now brought the entire Star Wars saga into the RISK universe by releasing Star Wars RISK: The Original Trilogy Edition, which is now available just in time for the holidays. Editor's Note: Ummm...Easter? (Ok. Yeah. I've been steeping on this one awhile).

The classic RISK board game, which allowed players to take over the world by invading opponents' territories with armies until a single player was left covering the map, has been translated into the warring factions of the Star Wars universe as they existed during the timeframe spanning Episodes IV -- VI.

"There are similarities and differences to standard RISK," says Hasbro Games' Rob Daviau. "We've replaced countries with planets and continents with star systems. There are big systems and small systems, easy-to-defend systems and difficult systems. But it is not an exact translation of the RISK board. You still have to conquer lands and you still want to conquer groups of lands. We've just changed the scale to make it more galactic in nature."

Naturally, the powers at play to dominate the game board are different from the original RISK, which were comprised of armies from the various worldly nations. In the Original Star Wars Trilogy Edition, those multiple factions have been distilled into three basic groups: Empire, Rebellion, and the Hutts.

"The Empire is trying to crush the Rebellion completely, the Rebellion is trying to find and destroy the Emperor, and the Hutts are trying to take advantage of this civil war to expand their criminal empire," says Hasbro Games' Daniel Sanfilippo. "Each faction has their own pieces, their own card decks (giving them special powers), and their own win condition."

Hardcore RISK players will find the Star Wars RISK experience just as engaging and intense as the original version.

"The nice thing about RISK is that the average player is a serious game player," says Daviau. "This means we can add quite a bit to the standard RISK gameplay in order to make it feel more like Star Wars. Yes, you can play standard RISK with this board and pieces, but if you already know RISK, you can now add starships, the Force, the Death Star, and different win conditions. These new factors layer onto the strategy, pushing it in new and exciting directions."

Specifically, Star Wars RISK includes 42 planets (territories) grouped into 6 systems (continents). Each faction has two pieces, representing one unit and three units. The Rebellion has a Rebel soldier and a snowspeeder, the Empire a stormtrooper and an AT-ST, and the Hutts a Gamorrean Guard and a rancor.

"A lot of what you know from RISK certainly applies to RISK Star Wars," says Sanfilippo. "It's always been a game about a large war set against a larger-than-life backdrop. So it was a natural fit to put it in the Star Wars universe."

Look for Star Wars RISK: The Original Trilogy Edition in stores now. Editor's Note: This sounds like a cool game! (And since I waited so long to post, it's probably in the DISCOUNT bins by Now!!!)

2007 Saga Legends Line Revealed

As mentioned last October, rebelscum.com recently asked fans and collectors which Star Wars figures they would like to see resurrected from Hasbro's vast catalog of figures spanning the last ten years. Well the votes are in, and Hasbro is including the top ten choices among their 28-figure Saga Legends line for 2007.

The Saga Legends line will repack earlier figures in all-new 30th anniversary packaging, and will also include collector coins featuring the saga's six movie logos. The following list reveals the 28-figure line, and indicates which choices were made by fans. Editor's Note: Sharing this out of a sense of dweebduty. But REALLY. Let's be honest here. This is just a bunch of rereleases in new packaging. Makes it look like we are getting new toys, but saves Hasbro the trouble of actually doing sculpts and such for genuine newness.

Monday, March 19, 2007

Monday, and a little random Dweebing

Jim and Mulder head to Television

Editor's Note: Yep, still yummy!

Fox Mulder is returning to the box.

David Duchovny, best known as the intrepid E.T chaser on “The X-Files”, has given up his plight to become a big-screen superstar (wasn’t really working for him, was it?) and decided to return to the comfortable surroundings of a TV studio.

Duchovny will take the lead in a new untitled series for “Showtime” – something they can couple with “Weeds” – about a writer (Duchovny) who juggles a 16-year-old daughter, an ex-wife whom he still cares for and an insatiable appetite for beautiful women.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Stephen Hopkins (“24”) is one of the producers. It’ll air in August.

Meantime, another film star is headed to TV. “American Pie” and “Loser” star Jason Biggs is set to star in a single-camera comedy called “I’m in Hell” for CBS.

The project, from CBS Paramount Network TV, centers on a high-flying Wall Street guy (Biggs) who dies in a BlackBerry-related car crash. Because hell is at full capacity, he is reassigned to "hell on Earth." He is stripped of his career, his fancy apartment and the fabulous trappings of his former existence and must figure out a way to get by. Editor's Note: Ah....so he works in the arts?

EDITOR'S NOTE: This next one is mostly rumor-mongering....but it's FUN rumor-mongering.Spock loves Sydney?

I knew as soon as J.J Abrams got aboard the new “Star Trek” pic that he’d be wanting to bring a few old friends with him – it was a no-brainer that Greg Grunberg, who has appeared in everything Abrams’ has done (including his honeymoon video), would snag a role; though to date, it hasn’t been revealed who the “Heroes” star will play, just that he will play someone – its just been a matter of trying to ‘which friends’ and for ‘which parts’?

I asked Michael Vartan, who starred in Abrams’ hit series “Alias”, recently whether he’d like to do something in the new “Trek” movie. He didn’t see himself doing that – despite saying he would like to do something with J.J again – and he especially didn’t see himself putting his hand up to play the new Captain Kirk. According to Vartan – soon to be seen in the not-going-direct-to-dvd release “Rogue” – Kirk, like Jesus and Elvis, is a role no actor should touch. (Granted, that could be a retort he came up with when he heard that Ben Affleck was being briefly considered for the role. Affleck, you’ll recall, is now married to Vartan’s ex-flame, Jennifer Garner).

One person who might be jumping aboard the new Enterprise (and I presume the Enterprise is going to be in it, right?) is Abrams’ golden-girl “Alias” star Jennifer Garner. Explaining why Garner was recently spotted lunching with the illustrious filmmaker, she’s being touted for a role as the new ‘love interest’ of the film (what I like to call ‘The Catherine Hicks’ role).

According to Star, via TrekWeb.com, Elektra herself might be making moves on pointy-eared Spock (and yeah, I’d believe she could make a couple of ears point straight up) in the new film. Its entirely speculative… and could be BS…. But it makes for interesting fodder all the same. Chances are, Abrams’ hasn’t even suggested it to Garner yet (though, considering the abovementioned meeting they recently had… I could be wrong).

IGN Movies also has an update on some of the other recently rumoured candidates – Matt Damon as Captain Kirk, Adrien Brody as Spock, Gary Sinise as Bones – for the film, suggesting one of them is ‘this close’ to signing on. Editor's Note: If true, great cast!

Webby genius ‘Stax’ (another $10 bucks mate) says, “We were told that Sinise is close to being cast, with the main issue right now being how to juggle the Trek shoot with his CSI: NY schedule. As we previously reported, McCoy will have a small role in the film, which will focus on Kirk and Spock's first adventure together (it is not, we hear, a Starfleet Academy story). Brody is also said to be close to signing on but until everything is inked, no casting can be called a sure thing.” The site also reports that the movie, set to lens in October, is taking up 5 soundstages at Paramount – largely being used as alien locations.

Exclusive : Superman WON'T go it alone

A couple of months back I’d heard some whispers – whispers initiating as echoes from rather illustrious corridors mind you; that’s the only way I can put it without outing the pretty solid sources here – about the next “Superman” movie.

After the slightly (I say only slightly, because the film was still profitable) disappointing returns on “Superman Returns”, Warner were in two minds about whether to continue the series or not – right away, anyway. One idea that came up was to make their long-planned “Justice League” movie, and possibly just incorporate ‘Superman’ into that.

Cut to a month or so ago, and the trades announce that the studio is in the early stages of developing a “Justice League” movie.

Interestingly enough, a couple of weeks later, those some publications announce that the next “Superman” sequel could be delayed- because director Bryan Singer has gone and got himself involved in another film; a thriller for United Artists.

Interesting hey? Well, the plot thickens, I heard from a pretty reliable source this weekend – who, has some top contacts himself – who essentially confirmed that the WB are thinking of putting the next “Superman” movie into turnaround, and instead will just use the character in the new “Justice League” movie. (Funnily enough, Batman would not be involved in the new film – he’s too big to waste on a film like this, apparently). Editor's Note: I think it's REALLY to keep the Batman/Superman romance on the down-low.

Having now heard the same from about half-a-dozen reliable insiders, I checked in with a couple of sources near the Water Tower itself, who wouldn’t confirm nor deny the reports, but definitely haven’t dismissed that it’s a possibility. One of them would only say that there “could be something in [that]”.

I guess if it is true – and again, this is far from confirmation; and these rumours suggest that the idea is still just that… an idea – it doesn’t necessarily mean that a “Superman” sequel will be abandoned for good. Its probably just a way to get ‘more folks’ into seeing the next Superman movie – because he’ll be surrounded by other superheroes. Then, if that’s a monster hit, they might do a “Superman Returns” sequel.

It isn’t a bad idea. FOX seems pretty confident that teaming ‘The Silver Surfer’ up with ‘The Fantastic Four’ is the best decision they’ve ever made for the latter property – especially considering their solo effort didn’t do much – so no doubt Warner will be keeping a close eye on their investment to see whether it does pay off.

Whatever the case, I'm sure Brandon Routh will be the one to don the Blue and Reds again.

Stay Tuned.

Editor's Note: And speaking of Brandon Routh and possible contradictions to the above item.....

For all the lush visuals and emotional intensity of Superman Returns, a sizeable slab of its audience grumbled about its lack of balls-to-the-wall action, with complaints going something like, “If I wanted to watch a man lift increasingly heavy objects, I’d hang around my local skip.”Editor's Note: Not 100% sure what a "skip" is. This was from a Brit website. (a gym, maybe?)

Well, Supes himself, Brandon Routh, gave us a few hints as to what we can expect from the sequel. And it seems a proper Scary Bad Guy (no offense, Lex) is very much on the cards…

“It’s going to be a lot more in that genre. In the first one, the obstacle was Superman’s love for Lois and his son, and Luthor using that against him. I just know that in the next film there will be a lot of action and I’m gonna get to fight something, or someone. An enemy with real physical power might be worked in there, definitely.”

Hmm… But what of a rumour that’s been floating around of late, that the next Superman flick will feature a certain outlaw from Krypton, a villain with immeasurable strength, a baddie whose love of baggy V-neck tunics is only matched by his fox-like cunning. In short, will Superman soon kneel once more before General Zod?

“I don’t know,” laughs Routh. “I don’t know how much we want to reprise characters that have appeared in the series before, since we’ve reset and used the first film to pay homage to all that’s come before. Now I think Bryan (Singer) might want to go somewhere new with it, which I think will be exciting.”

It’s early days for the project — Routh says he has two films lined up to shoot later this year (one a romantic comedy) before he dons the cape again, possibly in early 2008 — and aside from a bad guy, there’s something else missing: a title.

“Yeah, I don’t think they’ve settled on one yet,” says Routh. “I suggested that Bryan call it Superman Returns Again, but I don’t think that will happen. They’re about to begin the pre-production process, so there’s a lot of ideas in the air and a lot of discussion about what’s going to happen with it. I promise a lot of excitement!”

Indiana Jones and the City of Gods?

Filmick.co.uk, via Slashfilm.com , have heard rumblings that Gong Li (“Miami Vice”) may have received another invitation to another mostly men’s only outing.

In their rundown of recent “Indiana Jones 4” rumours, the former site reports that Li may have been offered a role in the film (this, in addition to the part she has been offered in the next “Mummy” movie with Brendan Fraser). No idea as who... or whether it involves bondage with Sean Connery. Editor's Note: I assume bondage with Connery is a negotiating point? (And at his current dotage, would that be considered a PLUS or.....?)

In bigger news, the site seems damn confident in saying that the new film is going to be called “Indiana Jones and the City of Gods”.

Says the site, “This was the title of an older script, not the new one - but it is going to be used as the title of the film, in place of the title on the front page of the new script. Not sure why, but it is apparently 100% true”. Editor's Note: It is 100% true....until some OTHER rumor-mongerer tells us otherwise, I suppose.

Sunday, March 18, 2007

Star Wars and Easter.....makes sense to ME!

Editor's Note: So....let me ask an important question. If a holiday does not have a Star Wars component of SOME kind, can it TRULY be said to be a HOLIDAY?!Star Wars Easter Egg Decorating KitThe Easter Bunny is no match for the Dark Lord of the Sith thanks to the Star Wars Easter Egg Decorating Kit, from Paper Magic Group. The Dudley's Easter Egg kit comes with a sheet of 22 stickers, five photo-real egg "wrappits" from scenes of the entire saga, four character egg wrappits, five coloring tablets, a wire egg dipper, a punch-out drying tray and nine paper egg stands for display. To get your eggs perfect, the kit also has a handy coloring mixing chart on the box.

"Without a doubt there is more Force behind the Darth Vader egg than a normal egg," Paper Magic Group Product Manager Jim Jacobs says. "The Force is unprecedented with the combined power of Darth Vader and the Dudley's brand!"Editor's Note: And shortly after making this statement to the press, Paper Magic Group Product Manager Jim J was seen being carted off by little men in white jackets. (no...NOT stormtroopers, but thank you for going there).The kit also comes with a special added touch to dress one special egg like Darth Vader with the special 3-D foam helmet! Editor's Note: And yes, I just HAPPENED to be in Target yesterday (it being a day that ends in 'y'), and I just HAPPENED to pick up one of these handy egg decor kits. And NO, they will NOT be coming anywhere near an egg. They are FAR too cute for that!

Also this Easter season, look for the special Star Wars Easter Basket full of toys and candy, from Houston Harvest. The basket comes with a foam rocket and dart set, a dodge ball, a sports water bottle and candy. The Star Wars Easter Egg Decorating Kit is a Target exclusive and on shelves now.

"She is in negotiations, yes," publicist Lisa Kasteler told The Associated Press. She did not elaborate.

Filming is scheduled to begin later this year, with Steven Spielberg on board to direct. The movie is being produced by "Star Wars" creator George Lucas' Lucasfilm Ltd.

Ford played Indiana Jones in 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," 1984's "Temple of Doom" and 1989's "The Last Crusade."

Blanchett, who won a best supporting actress Oscar in 2004 for "The Aviator," starred in last year's "Notes on a Scandal" and "Babel." EDITOR'S NOTE: Classy choice. And...by Hollywood standards, at any rate...age appropriate. Wish it could be Karen Allen, but not too bad as sloppy seconds go.

Maybe SCARY Harry Potter News

EDITOR'S NOTE: Say it ain't SO Emma!!!Watson Turns Down Contract for Final Two 'Potter' FilmsHOLLYWOOD - Harry Potter star Emma Watson has reportedly refused to sign a new contract to star in the last two movies in the J.K. Rowling fantasy series--despite being offered $3.9 million to continue her role as Hermione Granger.

The 16-year-old--who was confronted by a crazed fan at her British school earlier this week--has allegedly tired of her role as Harry Potter's best friend and wants to try new projects.

But her decision has thrown the final two films, Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince and Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, into disarray, with filming due to start later this year.

Rupert Grint, who plays Ron Weasley in the fantasy franchise, tells British newspaper the News of the World, "Emma doesn't want to do it anymore. She's tired of being known as 'that girl from Harry Potter.' "Daniel (Radcliffe) and I are distant from her now. We don't text or talk to her when we are not filming."Editor's NOte: Emma, Emma Emma....you're young; you can have a life in a couple years. Some of us older dweebs have so little else to CLING to. Think of US.Or the money?

Movie giants Warner Brothers today confirmed Watson has not signed on for any more Harry Potter movies.